Madame de Staël 
Ten Years’ Exile 

Madame de Staël’s ‘Ten Years’ Exile’ is a captivating account of her experiences and reflections during her political exile from Paris under Napoleon’s regime. Written in a highly engaging and evocative literary style, the book offers a poignant portrayal of Staël’s struggle for intellectual freedom and her relentless pursuit of truth amid turbulent times. Staël’s eloquent prose and vivid descriptions provide a profound insight into the cultural and political landscape of early 19th-century Europe, making this work a key text in early romantic literature. The book is a compelling blend of personal narrative and political commentary, shedding light on the complexities of power and ideology in a time of great upheaval. Madame de Staël, a prominent intellectual and writer of her time, drew inspiration for ‘Ten Years’ Exile’ from her own experiences of political persecution and her unwavering commitment to democratic ideals. Her profound understanding of human nature and her keen observations of society are evident throughout the book, showcasing her versatile talent as a writer and thinker. I highly recommend ‘Ten Years’ Exile’ to readers interested in European history, literature, and political philosophy. This book offers a unique perspective on a tumultuous period in European history and provides valuable insights into the complexities of power, freedom, and individual expression.

Giới thiệu về tác giả

Anne Louise Germaine de Staël-Holstein (1766–1817), commonly known as Madame de Staël, was a profound French writer, philosopher, and intellectual whose work left a significant mark on European Romanticism. Noted for her conversations and salon, Madame de Staël was a central figure in the cultural life of her time. She defied the stereotypes of women in her era through her involvement in politics and her influential writings. In addition to ‘Ten Years’ Exile’ or ‘Dix Années d’Exile’ (1821), which chronicles her banishment from France by Napoleon due to her opposition to his reign, she is also renowned for ‘On Germany’ (‘De l’Allemagne’, 1810), a substantial work that introduced German Romanticism to a French audience. Her literary style combines insightful analysis with an appeal to feeling, aligning with the romantic impetus for authentic expression and the valorization of personal experience. Despite her exile, Madame de Staël’s ideas and passions for liberty and progress continued to spread through her writings, which remain a testament to her enduring influence on both literary and political thought. Her work not only critiques society but also offers a poignant exploration of the nature of individual freedom and self-expression.